Portland, OR. February at Children’s Cancer Association (CCA) is always a special time when supporters come together for CCA’s largest community-driven campaign, Hearts of Joy. Moxie, a CCA-served child had a chance to show off her ukulele skills to McKinzie Roth from KGW.
This fundraiser raises critical revenue for CCA’s programs that leverage music, friendship, nature, and resources to create transformative moments of joy for 28,000 children, teens, and their family members facing cancer and other serious illnesses each year. With the help corporate partners, hospitals, board members and volunteers, this year’s events raised $435,000. Since its inception in 2005, Hearts of Joy has raised more than $5.7 million for CCA’s programs.
Northwestern Mutual Team
Regina Ellis, CCA Chief Joy Officer; Jenny O’Bryan, CCA VP of Development; Clare Hamill, Founding Board Chair and VP Nike Growth Initiatives; and CCA Staff
McKinzie Roth; Jenny O’Bryan; Kent VanArnam, Director of Marketing, Dick Hannah Dealerships; Emme Ek, served by CCA as a child
Typhoon at the PDX Live Studio
From CCA:
For the ninth consecutive year, Dick Hannah Dealerships donated one car out of eight– winner’s choice- for a Valentine’s Day-themed car raffle, “Keys to Our Heart,” which culminated on February 28 with the live announcement of the winning raffle ticket on KGW (NBC 8).
Additional Hearts of Joy elements included:
The On-Air Fundraiser Hosted by KGW and 101.9 KINK FM
On February 1, KGW and KINK FM shared inspiring stories of children and families served by CCA programs and services including MyMusicRx®, the Chemo Pal® Mentor program, the Alexandra Ellis Caring Cabin , and Link.
KGW interviewed CCA families live including the Keagbine family, whose late son, Danny was a CCA Hero; Lacelin Nordstrom, mother of three-year-old Heaven; and Moxie Balzar, who used her MyMusicRx knowledge to give a live ukulele lesson in the KGW studio. Volunteers from Dick Hannah Dealership, Northwestern Mutual, and Fortis Construction took phone bank donations and Breakside Brewing sponsored a two-hour matching hour. Additionally, 101.9 KINK FM hosted a Hearts of Joy concert series in the PDX Live Studio with performances from Ages & Ages, Typhoon, and Kyle Craft.
Paper Hearts of Joy
Oregon and SW Washington businesses spent the month of February selling $1 and $5 paper hearts to benefit CCA. Participating businesses included: Papa Murphy’s, Elmer’s, Dr. Bittner Dentistry for Kids, Brow Betty, A Flair for Gifts & Home, Flying Pie Pizzeria, Joe’s Burgers, Pietro’s Pizza, Pro Caliber, Sunset Lanes, and KingPins.
Love at 425 Degrees
Papa Murphy’s of Oregon and SW Washington donated $1 for every pizza sold on February 7.
Percentage of Sales for MyMusicRx
More than 20 artisan businesses donated a percentage of their sales from each business was donated to CCA’s MyMusicRx program on Valentine’s Day. Those businesses included, Black Wagon, Bowery Bagels, Burn Cycle, Cadillac Café, Circa 33, Country Cat, Deschutes Brewery, Extracto Coffee, Green Bridge Coffee, The Independent, Loyal Legion, Malka Diamonds, North 45, Paddy’s Bar and Grill, ¿Por Qué No?, Produce Row Café, Rally Pizza, Rudy’s Barbershop, The Station, Videri Chocolate Factory, and Stumptown Coffee Roasters, who donated 100 percent of their profits nationwide to MyMusicRx. Deschutes Brewery also generously offered one dollar for every pint sold.
Nike Challenge
Nike once again hosted a campus-wide campaign to unite together against cancer from February 12-16, raising $80,000 for CCA’s programs.
Hearts of Joy would not have been possible without CCA’s community partners Randall Children’s Hospital, Dick Hannah Dealership, Northwestern Mutual, and Fortis Construction.
Sponsored: Portland, OR. This year, the Children’s Cancer Association (CCA) was able to serve over 9,000 kids and teens—49% more than last year. The CCA delivers JOY to kids, teens, and their families who are fighting a serious illness. The nonprofit knows that for seriously ill children and their families every moment is precious so it uses music, friendship, play, and resources to create transformative moments of joy. Unlike many organizations dedicated to the worthy goal of someday finding a cure for cancer, CCA is all about creating joy today. CCA is now in the middle of its year-end fundraising drive, CLICK HERE for more information on how to give.
It was all smiles this week as kids gathered around the tree at the CCA family holiday party.
Founder and Chief Joy Officer, Regina Ellis, is sharing inspiring stories about special kids that CCA has served over the past year. She explains, “One incredible kid we had the privilege to serve in his time of need is six-year-old Otto, who after a nearly two year battle, recently completed treatment for neuroblastoma. Otto, also known as “Otto-bot”, is a huge fan of superheroes, and has displayed many heroic qualities himself. His incredible perseverance and determination throughout his journey with cancer even got him recognized as a 2017 CCA Hero.”
“Otto has had to put up with a lot of terrible things, but he never gives up,” his mom, Emily, said proudly.
Regina Ellis says Otto had a lot of support from his Chemo Pal®, Jerry, along the way. Together they spent lots of time playing video games and building LEGO sets, which allowed his mother, Emily the time and space to speak with doctors without isolating Otto.
Donations help keep the CCA program going strong. Gifts of $50 help Chemo Pals fill their activity bag with fun new toys and supplies, and a gift of $2,500 funds activities for an entire year.
Donations that support essential needs and resources through CCA’s Link Program make it possible to cover the cost of things like the airline tickets Otto and his mom needed to go to San Francisco for specialized treatment.
And when Otto was stuck in the hospital and needed to blow off some steam, CCA’s MyMusicRx® team was there with guitars, keyboards, and drums to jam with him at his bedside. Donors can help provide music as medicine for kids going through treatment with a gift of $250 to purchase instruments the CCA in-hospital music carts that help reduce stress, anxiety, and the perception of pain.
“During our toughest times, CCA was there to bring our family the friendship, music, resources, and JOY we needed most,” explained Otto’s mom, Emily.
All of CCA’s programs are free-of-charge to families thanks to the kindness and the generosity of friends in the community who believe that JOY matters.
This video shows how CCA brings moments of joy to kids.
Please CLICK HERE and join us by investing in the healing power of joy today to support deserving kids like Otto and the thousands of other children, teens, and family members who need a dose of JoyRx this holiday season. We believe kids deserve long, wonderful lives. Or, at the very least, short, wonderful lives. We believe cancer sucks. We’ve had it, or loved someone who did. We prescribe moments of joy for kids who are in the fight against all serious illness. We believe joy grows exponentially when it’s used collectively. We are music medicine pioneers. We believe in purple. We know joy comes in all colors, shapes, and sizes – just like the kids we help. We love to laugh. We are not afraid to cry. We spend every dollar wisely. We give hugs freely. We believe in today. We respect our history as a grassroots organization. We embrace our destiny as a global source of JoyRx. We believe these things matter.
Portland, OR. It was high-fives all around as Children’s Cancer Association (CCA) raised $1.4 million at its 17th annual Wonderball gala on October 7th. Leaders Rosemary Colliver, founder Regina Ellis and Andy Lytle celebrated the donations which will fuel CCA’s mission of prescribing joy to seriously ill children and their families. Organizers welcomed nearly 850 supporters to the Oregon Convention Center for an “Age of Aquarius” themed night they say was inspired by the abundant love and optimism of the Woodstock era.
Singer-songwriter, Kyle Craft, sings Bob Dylan’s The Times They Are A-Changin’ and is joined onstage by CCA-served kids and teens.
Regina Ellis, CCA Founder & Chief Joy Officer, stops to thank raffle ticket sellers, Moxie and Aven.
Albert Menashe, CCA Board Member, Attorney & Shareholder at Gevurtz Menashe; Julie Menashe; Grant Feltz, Wieden+Kennedy; John Christianson, Estate Planning Attorney at Gevurtz Menashe
Andrea Corradini, CCA Board Member, Senior Director, Women’s NSW Footwear at Nike; Regina Ellis, CCA Founder & Chief Joy Officer
Party guests included Sandy Bodecker, VP Special Projects, Nike Inc.; Tanya Cerda; Cholee Thompson, Ryan Artists; David Brown, longtime CCA Chemo Pal; and their friends.
Andy Lytle, CCA Board Chair, Division VP – Western US at Jackson Family Wines; Jim Haven, Creative Director; Jessi Duley, CCA Board Member, Founder & Instructor at Burn Cycle; Mary Lytle
Keynote speakers, Andy and Ruth Soria Zuniga, share their family’s story with Wonderball guests.
Chris Funk, CCA Board Member and multi-instrumentalist with The Decemberists, starts the show with a guitar solo guests call, thrilling.
Party guests included Clare Hamill, CCA Founding Board Chair, Vice President, Nike Growth Initiatives at Nike; Heidi O’Neill, President, Direct to Consumer, Nike Inc.; Patrick O’Neill; Marcus Harvey, Owner, Portland Gear; Sarah Marshall, MyMusicRx ATX Champion; and their friends.
Paul Gulick, CCA Board Chair Emeritus, 2008-10, and his table guests
Lead Sponsor PDX Property Group filled the table with guests that included John Powers, CCA Ambassador Board Co-Chair, Broker of PDX Property Group at Keller Williams Realty and Chris Suarez, Principal Broker, CEO of PDX Property Group of Keller Williams.
Presenting Sponsor, Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield’s table, which included Scott Burton, Director, Revenue Management & Portfolio Positioning, Cambia Solutions; Angela Dowling, President, Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon, and Chief Sales Officer; and their guests.
Jeff Nyburg, Regional Director at Carter’s | OshKosh B’gosh; CS Sheffield, CCA Ambassador Board Co-Chair, Senior Therapeutic Specialty Consultant, Pfizer Oncology; Jennifer Nyburg; Angela Sheffield.
CCA staff members welcome guests at registration amid tapestries and Wonderball branded prayer flags.
Macie House, CCA Board Member, Managing Director, Baird, Regina Ellis, CCA Founder & Chief Joy Officer; Suzann Baricevic Murphy, CCA Board Member, Owner/President at (W)here Inc.
Steve Blake, CCA Board Member and former NBA Player; Regina Ellis, CCA Founder & Chief Joy Officer; Kristen Blake, Health & Wellness Coach
Serene Perkins,(center) CCA Board Member, Director of Surgical and Clinical Research, Legacy Research Institute Legacy Health, Regina Ellis, CCA Founder & Chief Joy Officer
Served by CCA as a teen and now a pre-med student at PSU, Sarah Florig shared her emotional story with Wonderball guests.
Guests enjoyed silent and live auctions, a seated dinner, inspiring family speakers and live, Woodstock era music throughout the night. Portland jam band frontman Lewi Longmire’s LT Red and the Hazy Visions kicked off the live performances, which included a rendition of Jimi Hendrix’s “Star-Spangled Banner” performed by Chris Funk of The Decemberists. Other performers included Brandon Nicolai and New York-based cabaret singer Amber Martin.
Décor included Indian tapestries, marigold garlands, and buttons and prayer flags with the reimagined protest slogan “Cancer is not Healthy for Children and Other Living Things”. A Moroccan menu and Summer of Love themed drinks were served to complete the aesthetic. Late night revelers also enjoyed an after-party with DJ Anjali at Spirit of 77.
A record-breaking paddle raise was led by auctioneer Kelly Russell of Artisan Auctions following Regina Ellis’ keynote speech and PSU pre-med student, Sarah Florig’s, inspiring story. CCA-served family, Ruth and Andy Soria Zuniga, also shared the many ways CCA has supported their family during their 2-year-old daughter’s treatment.
“At CCA, we are JOY seekers. For the last 22 years, we have asked ourselves repeatedly: what can JOY do?” said Regina Ellis, Founder and Chief Joy Officer of Children’s Cancer Association in her address. “We are the only organization working to position JOY as best practice in pediatric hospitals across the nation by delivering innovative programs that transform a moment with music, friendship and nature. Because of the generosity in this room, last year we served 31 percent more children and teens, how, when and where they preferred, and delivered over 92,000 service interactions across the United States.”
This event was made possible by the presenting sponsor, Regence BlueCross Blue Shield of Oregon. Additional sponsors included PDX Property Group and Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel.
About Children’s Cancer Association (CCA)
The Children’s Cancer Association knows that for seriously ill children and their families every moment is precious. That’s why our programs leverage music, friendship, play, and resources to create transformative moments of joy for 20,000 children, teens, and their family members each year. We believe kids deserve long, wonderful lives. Or at the very least, short wonderful lives. Unlike many organizations dedicated to the worthy goal of someday finding a cure for cancer, CCA is all about creating joy today. See our programs in action at JoyRx.org.
Portland, OR.The Children’s Cancer Association (CCA) celebrated “Valentine’s Day for CCA” with a live, on-air fundraiser at the FOX 12 studio raising $604,000 in just one day to fund CCA’s free programs of JOY for seriously ill children, teens, and their families. CCA Hero, Holly Bruno, talked with Fox 12 Anchor, Elizabeth Dinh, before she drew the winning raffle ticket.
Fox 12 Anchors Wayne Garcia and Elizabeth Dinh, with CCA’s VP or Development Jennifer O’Bryan, Chief Joy Officer, Regina Ellis, Fox 12 Anchor, Mark Nelsen, with CCA’s President and Chief Operating Officer, Megan Byrtek, and VP of Brand, Abby Guyer are pictured with the final total for the day: $604,000
Cory Mahaffey, Managing Partner at Northwestern Mutual and CCA Ambassador Board member, is interviewed by Fox 12 Anchor Andy Carson about CCA’s MyMusicRx Program.
VP of Nike Growth Initiatives and Founding CCA Board Member, Clare Hamill, tells Elizabeth Dinh why supporting CCA is so important to her.
Fox 12 Anchors Kimberly Maus, Andy Carson, and Shauna Parsons with CCA’s Chief Joy Officer, Regina Ellis, and Fox 12 Anchor, Tony Martinez.
Andrea Lauer (left) and her team of volunteers were busy their entire shift taking in donations.
CCA Staff gather for a photo at the end of the event.
Volunteers from Northwestern Mutual, Randall Children’s Hospital, Dick Hannah Dealerships, Keller Williams, and Elmer’s Restaurants joined many of CCA board members, staff, and volunteers to answer phones during the “Valentine’s for CCA” live, on-air fundraise. Fox 12 anchors shared inspirational stories of children and families served by CCA programs and services including MyMusicRx®, the Chemo Pal® Mentor program, the Alexandra Ellis Caring CabinTM, and Link. Entercom radio also got the word out by broadcasting fundraising messages across all of their local radio stations including 105.1 The Buzz, 94/7 fm, 92.3 KGON, 99.5 The Wolf, 1080 The Fan, and 97.1 Charlie fm.
Dick Hannah has for seven years now donated a car for the “CCA Keys to Our Heart Car Raffle.” This year’s winner was Robert A. from Beaverton, with the winning ticket drawn on air by Holly, a CCA served child.
Other Valentine’s Day for CCA activations included:
The annual “NIKE Men vs. Women Challenge” was a fierce, global battle led by Tinker Hatfield on the men’s side and Andrea Corradini and Heidi O’Neill on the women’s. True to Nike’s competitive spirit, the women emerged victorious this year in taking back the title.
Portland shoppers showed their support by purchasing paper “Hearts of Joy” at retail locations throughout Oregon and SW Washington. Hearts of Joy were displayed prominently in lobbies, at check-out stands, and in windows all over town. Including all Papa Murphy’s Pizza locations where they also donated $1 for every pizza sold, Elmer’s Restaurants, Pietro’s Pizza, and Sunset Lanes.
Several of Portland’s favorite craft and small business donated a percentage of their Valentine’s Day sales to CCA’s MyMusicRx program. Led by Stumptown Coffee Roasters who donated 15% of café sales nationwide with other participating businesses generously donating percentages up to 100% of sales.
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About Children’s Cancer Association (CCA)
The Children’s Cancer Association knows that for seriously ill children and their families every moment is precious. That’s why our programs leverage music, friendship, play, and resources to create transformative moments of joy for 20,000 children, teens, and their family members each year. We believe kids deserve long, wonderful lives. Or at the very least, short wonderful lives. Unlike many organizations dedicated to the worthy goal of someday finding a cure for cancer, CCA is all about creating joy today. See our programs in action here, or visit us anytime at JoyRx.org.
Portland, February 14th, 2015. The Portland metro community showed some serious love for CCA this Valentine’s Day. 15-year-old Nathalie Traller, picked the winning raffle ticket in CCA’s “Win the Keys to Our Heart” car raffle, as Kent Van Arnam, Dick Hannah Dealership’s Director of Marketing, FOX 12 Oregon’s Mark Nelson, 105.1 The BUZZ’s Daria, Nathalie’s Chemo Pal mentor, Charae Gibbs, Nathalie’s dad Nathan, and her sister Kelly look on. Highlighted by the nonprofit’s annual two-day Valentine-A-Thon on FOX 12 Oregon and 105.1 The BUZZ, all festivities this year raised more than $700,000 to support CCA’s mission of Joy.
Andrea Lauer, Product Data Quality Director at Nike, Inc., talks to FOX 12 Oregon’s Wayne Garcia about her family’s journey with daughter Maddie and her first-hand experience with CCA.
FOX 12 Oregon’s Andy Carson welcomes Northwestern Mutual’s Gay Davis, Financial Advisor, and Cory Mahaffey, Managing Partner, to the studio to present CCA Founder and CEO, Regina Ellis, with a $25,000 check. Davis was this year’s recipient of Northwestern Mutual’s Community Service Award for his philanthropic efforts on behalf of CCA.
Betsy Reed, Business Developer, and Allison Clarke, President Allison Clarke Consulting and CCA Ambassador Board Co-Chair, add two purple heart tattoos to Fox 12 Oregon’s Andy Carson’s cheeks to fulfill a viewer request in exchange for a $2,000 dollar donation.
CCA’s power three: Clare Hamill, VP Global Growth Initiatives, Nike Inc. and Founding Board Chair and current Board Member, Regina Ellis, CCA’s Founder and Chief Joy Officer, and Andy Lytle, Division Vice President at Jackson Family Wines and CCA’s current Board Chair. During the final two hours of the Valentine-A-Thon, Clare and Andy both offered up matching hours so donors could double their gifts.
From left: Fox 12 Oregon’s Wayne Garcia, Amy Troy, and Shauna Parsons, 105.1 The BUZZ’s Daria, Mitch, and Ted, and FOX 12 Oregon’s Mark Nelson, proudly display the total at the close of the Valentine-A-Thon.
CCA’s Director of Development, Jenny O’Bryan, FOX 12 Oregon’s News Director and CCA Board Member, Corey Hanson, and CCA Founder and Chief Joy Officer, Regina Ellis. Corey and the FOX 12 team make so many good things happen for CCA.
Kent Van Arnam, Director of Marketing for Dick Hannah Dealerships, with Regina Ellis, CCA’s Founder and Chief Joy Officer. For the fifth year in a row, Dick Hannah Dealerships has donated the car for CCA’s “Win the Keys to Our Heart” car raffle.
FOX 12 Oregon’s Mark Nelson got funky for a donor who said she’d pledge $1,000 if Mark would do the chicken dance on air. There wasn’t a second’s hesitation – he simply threw off his jacket and got down!
Regina Ellis, CCA Founder and Chief Joy Officer, presents FOX 12 Oregon’s Pete Ferryman with a tiny birthday cake with five lit candles, each representing a $1,000 donation. Also pictured are: Allison Clarke, President Allison Clarke Consulting and CCA Ambassador Board Co-chair, FOX 12 Oregon’s Andy Carson, Kimberly Maus, and Tony Gonzalez.
In honor of her daughter, Caitlyn, a CCA Community Hero in 2012 who died from cancer in 2013, Shawna Higgins-Buscher, and her sister, Tiffany Higgins, volunteered at the phone bank.
The two-day Valentine-A-Thon was complemented with various other fundraising activities to reach this fundraising record:
Dick Hannah Dealerships donated a brand new car for CCA’s “Win the Keys to Our Heart” car raffle
More than 100 retail locations, including area Elmer’s, Papa Murphy’s, and Joe’s Burgers, sold paper “Hearts of Joy”
Nike employees once again pitted the women vs. the men to see who could raise the most for CCA – and the women won, again.
10 kids became young philanthropists in CCA’s Kids Calling for Kids project
CCA believes joy matters and music heals.Learn more and get involved at JoyRx.org and MyMusicRx.org.
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